Courtney explains cuts to earmarks

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney spoke to constituents Friday about access to federal grants with an eye on the shrinking process of earmarking funds at the federal level.

LIZ MUGAVERO

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney spoke to constituents Friday about access to federal grants with an eye on the shrinking process of earmarking funds at the federal level.

The forum, held at Norwich Free Academy's Slater Museum Auditorium, was an information session designed to highlight federal funding opportunities for small business owners, nonprofits, city officials and other agencies. It gave about 100 attendees a crash course on what money is available and how to get it.

Courtney said the forum was geared to provide a much-needed resource to the community in light of the Democratic movement to reduce the practice of earmarking -- turning pet projects into bills to secure funding.

"The practice has metastasized like a cancer," Courtney said.

With all the scandals and problems surrounding the practice, the result is shrinking numbers, he said. In the fiscal year 2008 budget, there are about 7,000 earmarks -- half as many as the 2006 budget.

"It's becoming more transparent. There will soon be no more anonymous bridges to nowhere, like we've been seeing," he said.

Instead, businesses and agencies need to explore grants as an avenue to federal money, Courtney said.

With the variety of grants -- categorical, block, formula, project and matching -- available, there are many opportunities for funding.

"We try to put people together with the opportunities. The trick is how to do that," Courtney said.

Representatives from the Department of Housing and Economic Development, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Small Business Innovative Research, Connecticut Commission on Philanthropy, Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area and the Citizen's Bank Foundation discussed the types of grants available.

More accountable

Julie Fagan of HUD said staying competitive was key.

"To improve your capacity, clear documentation of what you are doing and how you intend to do it is necessary," she said. "There is a great demand for accountability."

Mark Paquette, executive director for the Windham Council of Governments, called the forum a great resource.

"It's certainly comprehensive," he said. "Many towns differ in their budgeting situations, but grants are certainly a way to increase resources. I applaud Congressman Courtney for his efforts."

Chief Ronald Palmer of the Willimantic Fire Department said most budgets need other revenue sources.